The brand manager of Black Leopards, Mr Tshifhiwa “Chief” Thidiela, said his club was disappointed by the fact that Makhuvha Stadium would not be ready for use before the end of the year.

Thidiela was reacting to the inspection report which they received from the chief of technical services in the Premier Soccer League, Prof Ronnie Schloss.

Schloss inspected the stadium last Tuesday, November 12. According to the report, the pitch of the stadium still leaves much to be desired. “The stadium was once again inspected on Tuesday 12 November 2013 and it is with great regret and disappointment that I have to inform you that the pitch in its present condition is not suitable for the playing of any football matches. The subsoil base in which the grass has been planted is not suitable and is hindering the growth of the kikuyu grass, notwithstanding the warm weather and recent good rains. In addition, the pitch needs to be hollow-tinned and well aerated to loosen the sub-base. It is apparent after discussions with the contractor on site that he has limited or no experience in the laying out of a sports field and that he does not have the necessary equipment for carrying out his duties,” reads an extract from the report.

In an interview, Thidiela indicated that they were gravely disappointed as they had promised their fans that the team would be playing at the Makhuvha Stadium, come the first week of November. “There is nothing we can do as a club except to wait for the municipality to work on the pitch until it reaches the required standard,” said Thidiela.

The sports and recreation manager in the Thulamela Municipality, Mr Ronald Makhadi, said that they were doing everything within their power to ensure that all the anomalies which had been pointed out in the report were sorted out.

In the meantime, Black Leopards will continue to use the Seshego Stadium as their home ground until such time when they get a suitable venue within the Vhembe District.